This post was originally published on Audible.com.
Podcasts aren’t just for grown-ups anymore. The world of episodic audio has since opened up to the weird and wonderful world of children’s entertainment, and there’s no shortage of fun, engaging, and often interactive podcasts for kids. Whether your youngster is still crawling or is entering the world of middle school and beyond, there’s guaranteed to be a podcast that will appeal to them—and the rest of your family, too.
Here are just a few of the best podcasts for kids, with our favorites ranging from the educational to the off-the-wall.
As far as children’s education and entertainment is concerned, there are few resources more beloved by kids and parents alike than the long-running Sesame Street. Now, the Audible Original Sesame Street Podcast introduces Foley, the host and newest monster to the neighborhood. Join Foley and her microphone friend Mikee as they invite guests into their sound studio to discuss important topics ranging from superheroes to animals to birthdays and more. This joyful podcast is energetically voiced by a full cast of characters, including Lindsey Briggs, Tyler Bunch, and Ryan Dillon.
Rivals! is an episodic Audible Original, separated out into 30-minute stories that dive into the rivalries that changed the world. Hall of Fame narrator Prentice Onayemi and Audie winner Khristine Hvam lead a cast of performers in this raucous history lesson. And if you like these, be sure to check out Rivals 2! and Pirates! Scoundrels Who Shook the World for more episodic tales. These hilarious histories are perfect for children ages 8 and up.
Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Camp Director Sue in this middle grade Audible Original podcast set during the summer of 2005. Mookie Hooper is a young girl investigating the mysterious disappearance of a young girl at Camp Cartwright. But she's also dealing with plenty of normal tween problems too, like trying to make friends and surviving summer camp. This hilarious podcast also includes performances by the likes of Edi Patterson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste.
Here's another riveting mystery podcast for middle grade listeners. When two of their friends go missing, Mars Patel and his buddies JP, Toothpick, and Caddie, all students at H.G. Wells Middle School, set off on an adventure to find out what happened, uncovering conspiracy after conspiracy along the way. Likened to a mixture of beloved films The Goonies and Spy Kids, this gem is performed by kids for kids.
Eric O’Keeffe, the energetic host of What If, is ready to answer the real questions that imaginative and curious kids ask. For instance, what if there were a never-ending bowl of ice cream? Or what if cats ruled the world? Each episode tells stories based on these questions to get kids laughing and learning. Little listeners can even posit their own what if
questions to be answered on the show by calling in or submitting online.
Grandma for President is the perfect podcast for kids to learn about civics and government. 11-year-old Bennett Sable has never really paid attention to politics, so when he's asked on a pop quiz who he would vote for for president, he says he would vote for his grandmother. Little does he know that one sarcastic answer will end up changing the very course of the 2020 presidential election. This podcast is brought to life by a full cast of actors, including the inimitable Mel Brooks as well as David DeLuise, Susanne Blakeslee, Tucker Chandler, and Danielle Nicolet.
Stories Podcast is the perfect bedtime story podcast for kids of all ages. Every episode features a new story. Some are fairy tales, some are classic children's stories like Peter Rabbit, and many are completely original works, but what they all have in common is a sense of whimsy and pure magic.
Curious kids and adults alike will love Brains On!. Every week, host Molly Bloom invites a different kid guest to join her as they search for answers to fascinating questions sent in by listeners. For instance, why do siblings annoy each other? Why does green mean go? And do plants have feelings? In addition to this fun-filled Q&A, there are plenty of other interactive moments and learning opportunities throughout each episode.
Circle Round was lovingly created by parents of young children. The podcast adapts various folktales from around the world, turning them into sound and music rich audio plays that are perfect for children ages 4 to 10. These immersive stories explore cultures from around the world and teach children important lessons about kindness and empathy.
This fully dramatized serial podcast for middle grade readers is set in the same universe as Rachel Renée Russell’s acclaimed Dork Diaries book series. The show stars longtime Dork Diaries narrator and award-winning actress Jenni Barber as Nikki Maxwell. Nikki is starting 8th grade at a new school, and she’s keeping a diary to document every moment of it, from the embarrassing to the hilarious to the exuberant.
The Kids Are All Right is a weekly podcast that focuses on talking to kids about health and wellness issues. Hosted by Michelle and her puppet sidekicks Buster and Buddy, each episode features a different topic related to wellness, from timely questions about the pandemic to how to be the boss of your worries. On each episode, Michelle brings on experts and asks them questions in a way that's accessible and enjoyable for young audiences.
Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey produces and stars in this podcast series about a dog named Hank who is the self-declared Head of Ranch Security.
In every episode, Hank finds himself entangled in a different mystery or caper. Joining Hank on his adventure are a whole crew of supporting characters, portrayed by acclaimed performers including Jesse Plemons, Cynthia Erivo, Kristen Dunst, Leslie Jordan, Joel Edgerton, Scoot McNairy, Michael Shannon, and John R. Erickson.
Though New Horizon tailored this Meditation and Mindfulness podcast toward kids, these guided meditations are also incredibly helpful for any stressed-out adult. For anyone who needs a moment of calm or some help falling asleep, this podcast offers relaxing narration and soothing sounds to help you relax and find mindfulness.
History Storytime is a delightful podcast hosted by Ellie (age five), Sophie (age seven), and their dad (age unknown). Together, this adorable trio tells true stories from history about knights and battles, love and betrayal, strong women and how they changed history, and so much more.
Mrs. Honeybee is on a mission to make bedtime easier. Mrs. Honeybee is a teacher, a mother of two, and a storyteller who tells relaxing bedtime stories for kids inspired by popular children's movies. The podcast features comforting sound effects and music that will make your little one feel soothed and calm as they drift to sleep.
NPR's Wow in the World is currently the #1 podcast for kids. Join hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz as they discuss the latest news in science, technology, and inventions. These engaging, inspiring stories will give both kids and adults hope for the future by introducing them to a world of innovation and discovery.
Fairy tales meet science meets history in this podcast hosted by Jonathan Cormur. Dorktales is the perfect podcast for the whole family, featuring geeky retellings of both classic fables and true stories about the parts of history you might not have heard about in school. Clever and heartfelt, these
Story Quest is a fun storytelling podcast with a lively narrator. The podcast also features lots of sound effects to make kids feel more involved in the story. Each week, this podcast comes out with a brand new original story suitable for all ages. These stories are perfect for car trips, for bedtime, or any time families just want to unwind.
Odd Squad Agents, listen up! This podcast from PBS Kids is just for you! Hosted by the boss Big O herself, this podcast is full of all the important information Odd Squad Agents need to know: villains who have been caught, gadgets that have been recalled, agents who have been promoted, creatures on the loose, birthdays to celebrate, and much more.
On Fun Kids Science Weekly, your podcast host Dan is here to remind kids that science is both educationally enriching and incredibly fun. Each week, this show explores the coolest stuff in science, featuring special guests and top experts who can answer all of your science-related questions.
Who doesn't love fun facts about animals? On Animal Fun Facts, host Jimmy Murray shares some information about a different animal each week, guiding kids through different ecosystems and the creatures that live there. Some recent animals that have been featured on the podcast are Hawaiian monk seals, golden eagles, and bee hummingbirds, so young listeners will be able to learn more about their favorite animals, no matter how obscure they may be.
What are you curious about? On the Curious Kid Podcast, join Jacob and seven-year-old Olivia as they get curious, searching for answers to their listeners' most pressing questions. Whether you’re curious about dragons, helicopters, or robots, Jacob and Olivia can tell you anything you want to know. With a new topic each week, the podcast is entertaining and educational for children of all ages, so naturally, parents love it too.
